A/N:
For some reason, reviews for last chapter aren't showing up when I try to see them, so even though I can see from the review count that people wrote to me, I can't read what you said :o(
So, until that fixes itself, I'll just have to hope you're having fun. I certainly am. Go villains!
Erik? Erik?
…?
Don't try to form words if you can't, just… that's right. I know you can hear me. All right.
How?
Cerebro. I know your mind well enough to search for you, and the amplification lets me communicate clearly even over the distance. Is she still near you? I'm afraid she might be able to overhear; she's extraordinarily powerful. I don't know how she was able to reach me when-
Shutup.
! Of course of course, sorry. Erik… am I tiring you by talking to you?
Yes. If you have a plan, tell me quickly.
How much longer can you hold out?
Not long. Ah!
What?
You're projecting your pain. It hurts.
Oh- oh I'm so sorry, I'll be more careful.
And I'm not dead yet. Thanks for the vote of-
… Erik? …
Wait. Almost lost it.
Of course. Say when.
…
…
All right, talk. Plan?
I was going to ask you the same question. Is she with you?
Yes but diamond. Can't hear us.
Ugh – I can't get in her head when she's like that.
! ! Oh!
Erik? Erik what happened? Are you all right? Erik!
Almost dropped it. It appears I don't have the energy for hope.
Hope?
Yes. Listen: Azazel's here too. You can get inside him. Get him in here. Teleport me out.
Oh, Erik… I can't, my friend, not at this distance. I'm so sorry. I could only get inside Emma because she invited me, it was more her doing than mine. I could speak to Azazel, as I'm speaking to you… but I couldn't get in and take him over by force.
…
Erik?
Then… what else is there?
I don't know. But I won't leave you. At least there's that.
! ! !
Oh… I felt that.
Sorry. Spasm. Not much longer, I think. Charles?
Yes?
Can you calm my mind for me? I'm afraid. And I'd prefer to die in peace.
…
Ow– stop! Stop! That's not calming; that hurts!
I'm sorry, it's… it's my emotions again. Hang on. … All right, I'm all right. I'll just-
!
What?
She's coming.
Why? What is she…
No NO not again I'll drop it on her this time the bitch I will I swear to God if she touches me again I swear to God I'll drop it I will I swear. Not that it'll kill her, the diamond bitch, but it'll make me smile. Goodbye Charles.
! Oh- wait– Erik! Plan! Plan! Erik?
Plan?
Oh God – I felt that. What is she doing to-
Plan?
Yes yes yes. Drop the elevator a bit – suddenly. I'll make contact with Azazel, I'll distract him, I won't let him remember that she's in no danger as a diamond. In fact I'll suggest the opposite if I can. If I can panic him he'll go grab her to teleport her out – and we'll hope he's touching you too. What do you think?
I think in a moment I'll drop it whether I plan to or not. Go, Charles. We'll try it.
All right. I'll need a minute to make a connection with him though. Give me a moment before you start.
I'll give you as long as I can. Won't be much. Go.
Erik… listen, if it doesn't… I just…
Not now! Go!
TBC.
Let me know what you think! Hopefully I'll be able to read it this time.
